Re-designed Odyssey has more power, uses less fuel

Originally published: July 5, 2011

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For Honda’s re-designed 2011 Odyssey minivan, the changes are subtle.

It’s hard to see the Odyssey’s all-new bodywork until you see it in profile. A slight kick up at the rear waistline, with a corresponding z-line at the back of the sliding rear door windows breaks up the expansive side glass. The sheetmetal’s styling is fresh, yet subtle. And although the Odyssey’s nose treatment is new, only the most ardent car observers will easily identify the 2011 from last year’s model.

Honda engineers have spent considerable effort improving the powertrain, however. For 2011, the top-of-the-line Touring model receives a new six-speed automatic transmission and the 3.5-litre SOHC V-6 engine gets bumped up to 248 horsepower. Combining Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system, which shuts off fuel to some cylinders under low load conditions, with a new sixth gear and engine tuning makes the Odyssey Touring’s fuel consumption 3.2-per-cent and 8.9-per-cent better in city/highway ratings than last year’s model. That beats all the major competition.

The Honda Odyssey Touring minivan is a superb family vehicle. Power dual-sliding doors and liftgate, mean mom or dad carrying a baby and loaded down with groceries while herding a gaggle of toddlers can get the doors open using the key fob. Sliding side doors ensures loading/unloading in tight parking lots is possible. And the Odyssey’s floor -lower than most SUVs -allows youngsters and elderly passengers easy entry.

The Odyssey is also an amazingly flexible cargo hauler. The third-row seats fold down into the floor and each of the three-second row seats can be removed with relative ease. (The seats are heavy.) With the second-and third-row seats tucked away, the cargo hold is voluminous. While on test duty, our minivan was commandeered to haul a sectional sofa.

When it comes to accommodating passengers, the Odyssey Touring is also impressive, with room for eight in near limousine luxury. Our top-ofthe-line Touring model comes with leather upholstery, moonroof and audio system/widescreen entertainment centre.

Passengers relegated to the back enjoy plenty of comfort too. The rear rows have loads of legroom for adults, and seatbacks are adjustable. The adults who occupied our Honda’s rear seats say they’d be perfectly happy there on a long trip.

One of the reasons I like Hondas is they’re designed for people who enjoy driving, and the Odyssey doesn’t disappoint. Both front seats have height adjustable armrests and for the driver’s seat, the door and inner armrests are positioned to allow gripping the steering wheel while using the armrests – a boon on long trips for maximizing driver comfort and minimizing fatigue.

Driving the Odyssey minivan is easy. Despite having the same length and width dimensions as a Cadillac Escalade SUV, the Odyssey is painless to wheel through traffic.

Visibility all around is very good and large side mirrors, aided by blind spot warning indicators that light up when a vehicle is adjacent, make manoeuvring through traffic fuss-free.

Our Touring demo unit had front and rear parking sensors as well as a rear-view camera. The Odyssey is one of those vehicles that intuitively gives the driver a good idea where the four corners are, even though the front is not visible from the driver’s seat.

Inside the cabin, Honda shows attention to the details that make the Odyssey a great family vehicle. A concave mirror, lowered from the headliner, allows front-seat occupants to see second-and third-row passengers -perfect for keeping tabs on little passengers.

Another nice touch is the centre console with a broad, flat tray on top, convenient for holding cellphone and purse when entering the vehicle.

I have few complaints about Honda’s latest version of the Odyssey, however. The audio and HVAC displays’ black on blue colour scheme are difficult to read in some lighting conditions, and a firmer-than-expected pressure is needed for braking.

At $48,850, Honda’s minivan comes with everything but the kitchen sink, and is priced accordingly.

A supremely capable minivan that offers luxurious accommodations for eight, is easy to drive, and beats most minivan and SUV competitors in fuel economy, the 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring is easily one of the finest family haulers -regardless of price -on the market today.